Short Story

 Short Story

A short story typically takes the form of a brief fictional work, usually written in prose. The earliest precursors to the short story can be found in the oral storytelling tradition, as well as episodes from ancient Mediterranean epics, such as 'The Epic of Gilgamesh' and Homer's 'Iliad.' Anecdotes, fables, fairy tales, and parables are all examples of the oral storytelling tradition that helped to shape the short story, such as 'The Painting of the Dog and His Reflection' from 'Aesop's Fables'.  By the 14^th century, the most well-known stories included One Thousand and One Nights (Middle Eastern folk tales by multiple authors, later known as Arabian Nights) 

Short stories are usually between 1,600 to 20,000 words long. Edgar Allen Poe suggested they should take 30 minutes to two hours to read. They focus on one main subject or theme, which can range from everyday activities to thrilling ghost tales. Short stories usually take place in a single setting and begin 'in medias res', which means 'into the middle of things' in Latin. In general, short stories tend to begin and end abruptly, with no prior information and no major lapses in time. Because they're short, they usually have just a few characters and focus on one plot without extensive development.

'Canterbury Tales' Geoffrey Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales' - the first collection of short stories in English literature was composed in Middle-English verse or prose in the early 14th century. Chaucer's collection revolves around a storytelling contest among pilgrims on their way to Canterbury.

In the Renaissance, the short story continued to evolve with works like Giovanni Boccaccio's "The Decameron," which consists of 100 tales told by ten characters over ten days. 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow', a ghoulish account of a headless horseman and an ambitious, superstitious schoolmaster, was published by Washington Irving in 1820. Adapted from a German folktale, the story owes much of its style and form to the Gothic horror tradition found in the German novellen, or little novels, of the 18th century. '

The Overcoat' The Russian form of the short story, helped revolutionize the genre worldwide. Written by Nikolai Gogol in 1842, 'The Overcoat' concerns a poor clerk, whose successful efforts to buy a new winter coat eventually lead to the loss of a costly possession and his death.  The 19th century is often considered the golden age of the short story. This period saw the rise of periodicals and magazines, which created a demand for short, engaging fiction. Writers like Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Guy de Maupassant became pioneers of the modern short story, focusing on psychological depth, irony, and concise narratives. Poe's works, such as "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Fall of the House of Usher," are notable for their brevity and intensity. In Victorian Era, writers like Charles Dickens and Thomas Hardy used the form to explore social issues and human psychology. Dickens' "The Signal-Man" and Hardy's "The Three Strangers" are notable examples.

In the 20^th century, Modernist writers like James Joyce, Katherine Mansfield, and Franz Kafka experimented with narrative structure and style. Joyce's "Dubliners," for example, offers a series of interconnected stories that provide a vivid portrait of life in Dublin. During this time, the short story also became a platform for exploring complex themes and characters, often reflecting the uncertainties and complexities of the modern world. Arthur Conan Doyle's creation of Sherlock Holmes marked a monumental contribution to the short story genre, particularly in the realm of detective fiction.

The early 20th century saw further innovation, with authors like Katherine Mansfield and Virginia Woolf experimenting with narrative style and structure. Mansfield's "The Garden Party" and Woolf's "Kew Gardens" are celebrated for their lyrical prose and deep psychological insight. Authors like Alice Munro, Gabriel García Márquez, and Raymond Carver pushed the boundaries of the short story, exploring themes of identity, displacement, and the human condition. Munro's meticulous attention to detail and character development earned her the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2013.

R.K. Narayan's "Malgudi Days" offers a vivid portrayal of life in a fictional South Indian town. Salman Rushdie's "East, West" blends magical realism with contemporary issues, reflecting the complexities of postcolonial identity. Jhumpa Lahiri's "Interpreter of Maladies" explores the immigrant experience and the challenges of cultural assimilation, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.

The short story remains a dynamic and vital part of English literature. The short story, as a form of literature, is a testament to the diversity and richness of human experience across cultures and time periods.

David Roth - Nine Gold Medals

 David Roth - Nine Gold Medals 

The athletes had come from all over the country

To run for the gold, for the silver and bronze

Many weeks and months of training

All coming down to these games.

The spectators gathered around the old field

To cheer on all the young women and men

The final event of the day was approaching

Excitement grew high to begin.

The blocks were all lined up for those who would use them

The hundred-yard dash and the race to be run

These were nine resolved athletes in back of the starting line

Poised for the sound of the gun.

The signal was given, the pistol exploded

And so did the runners all charging ahead

But the smallest among them, he stumbled and staggered

And fell to the asphalt instead.

He gave out a cry in frustration and anguish

His dreams and his efforts all dashed in the dirt

But as sure as I’m standing here telling this story

The same goes for what next occurred.

The eight other runners pulled up on their heels

The ones who had trained for so long to compete

One by one they all turned around and went back to help him

And brought the young boy to his feet.

Then all the nine runners joined hands and continued

The hundred-yard dash now reduced to a walk

And a banner above that said (Special Olympics)

Could not have been more on the mark.

That’s how the race ended, with nine gold medals

They came to the finish line holding hands still

And a standing ovation and nine beaming faces

Said more than these words ever will.

About the author

David Roth is an American singer-songwriter and poet known for his touching and inspirational works. Born on December 12, 1954, Roth's music and poetry often explore themes of compassion, humanity, and social justice. He has a unique talent for storytelling through his songs and poems, using simple yet profound language to convey powerful messages.

Summary

"Nine Gold Medals" is a poignant and inspirational poem by David Roth that tells the story of a special moment during a Special Olympics event. The poem describes a race where nine differently-abled athletes are competing for the gold medal. As the race begins, one of the runners stumbles and falls, disheartening him and causing him to cry.

In a heartwarming turn of events, the other eight athletes notice their fellow competitor in distress. Instead of continuing to race for personal glory, they make an extraordinary decision: they turn back, help the fallen runner to his feet, and all nine of them walk to the finish line together, hand in hand. This act of compassion and solidarity leads to a collective victory, where each athlete is awarded a gold medal. The poem captures the essence of true sportsmanship, highlighting the values of empathy, unity, and the triumph of the human spirit over the mere pursuit of winning.

Explain with Reference to Context

1. The eight other runners pulled up on their heels

The ones who had trained for so long to compete

One by one they all turned around and went back to help him

And brought the young boy to his feet.

Context

These lines are taken from David Roth's poem "Nine Gold Medals” which tells the story of a Special Olympics event where nine differently-abled athletes, each with their own challenges, compete in a race. These lines describe the immediate reaction of the other competitors upon seeing their fellow runner fall. Despite being in the midst of a highly competitive race, they abruptly stop.

Explanation

The athletes have invested significant time and energy in their training, with the goal of competing and possibly winning a medal. Rather than continuing the race and striving for individual success, each runner makes a conscious decision to turn back and assist the fallen boy. They physically help the fallen runner to stand up, demonstrating their support and care. This act of kindness is a powerful moment in the poem, symbolizing the triumph of humanity and solidarity over the competitive spirit.

1.     That’s how the race ended, with nine gold medals

      They came to the finish line holding hands still

Context

These lines taken from David Roth's poem "Nine Gold Medals” which encapsulate the deeply moving conclusion of the race. Nine athletes, each facing their own physical challenges, eagerly begin the race they have trained for. However, one runner falls early in the race, and the others, rather than seizing the opportunity to win, choose to stop and help him. This act of compassion transforms the nature of the competition.

Explanation

Instead of there being a single winner, the race concludes with an extraordinary and symbolic gesture: all nine athletes are awarded gold medals which honours their display of empathy, helpful nature and human values. This outcome is significant because it celebrates the spirit of unity and mutual support over individual triumph. The act of holding hands underscores that the real victory was in their collective humanity and solidarity.

Paragraph

1. Examine how compassion plays a crucial role in the poem.

2. Discuss the symbolism of the nine gold medals at the end of the race.

Essay

1. Analyse how "Nine Gold Medals" portrays the themes of empathy and solidarity.

2. Discuss how the poem challenges traditional notions of competition and success.

Rabindranath Tagore - Where the Mind is Without Fear – Gitanjali 35

 Rabindranath Tagore - Where the Mind is Without Fear – Gitanjali 35

Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high;

Where knowledge is free;

Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls;

Where words come out from the depth of truth;

Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection;

Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit;

Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action

Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.

About Author

Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941) was a renowned Bengali poet, writer, composer, and philosopher. He reshaped Bengali literature and music, as well as Indian art, with Contextual Modernism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tagore was the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his collection of poems, "Gitanjali" ("Song Offerings"). His profound works reflect a deep love for humanity, a quest for truth, and an unwavering belief in the power of education and cultural exchange. He was also an advocate for Indian independence and promoted social reforms through his writings and activities.

Summary

"Where the Mind is Without Fear" is a part of Tagore's famous work "Gitanjali" (Song Offerings), specifically poem number 35. It was written in the early 20th century during the Indian struggle for independence from British rule. The poem is a prayer to God for a nation that embodies freedom, truth, and reason. Tagore envisions a society where people are fearless, dignified, and united beyond societal divisions. Knowledge is freely accessible to everyone, and truth prevails in communication. The poet yearns for a place where individuals strive tirelessly for perfection and where rational thought triumphs over obsolete traditions. This utopian vision culminates in the hope that such a liberated and enlightened nation will awaken, guided by the divine.

Poem Comprehension

Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action

Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.

1. By whom is the mind led forward?

2. How does the poet describe ‘thought and action’?

3. Where does the poet want his country to awake?

Paragraph

1. Enumerate the ideals of a utopian society described by Tagore in the poem.

The poem begins with a call for a society where the mind is without fear. This suggests an environment where individuals are free from the constraints of fear, both external (such as oppression or tyranny) and internal (such as self-doubt or insecurity). Tagore envisions a society where knowledge is revered and accessible to all. He speaks of a clear heaven of freedom where the mind can explore ideas without hindrance. Tagore refers to a society where people are not divided by narrow domestic walls, indicating a desire for inclusivity and equality among all individuals regardless of differences. There is a hint of discipline and responsibility in the line "Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake." This suggests a society where freedom is not taken for granted but is maintained through responsible citizenship and disciplined behavior. Tagore's vision also encompasses spiritual growth, where individuals strive to uplift themselves and their society morally and spiritually.

2. How does the poem reflect Tagore's views on Indian independence?

Essay

1. Explain how Rabindranath Tagore's vision of an ideal nation is portrayed in the poem.

2. Discuss how the poem reflects Tagore's aspirations for freedom and progress.

    Rabindranath Tagore's poem "Where the Mind is Without Fear" from his collection Gitanjali is a profound expression of his aspirations for freedom, progress, and enlightenment. In this poem, Tagore envisions an ideal world where individuals are free from fear and societal constraints, allowing them to realize their full potential. The opening line, "Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high," sets the tone for a world where people are free from fear and oppression. Tagore aspires for a society where individuals can live with dignity and self-respect.  The line "Where knowledge is free" reflects Tagore's desire for a world where education and knowledge are accessible to all, without barriers of class, caste, or economic status. This access to knowledge is crucial for individual and societal progress. 

    "Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls" expresses Tagore's hope for a world without divisions based on race, religion, or nationality. He envisions a global community united by mutual respect and understanding. The phrase "Where words come out from the depth of truth" signifies a society where honesty and integrity prevail. Tagore believes that genuine progress can only be achieved in an environment where truth is valued. "Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection" highlights the importance of continuous effort and aspiration for excellence. Tagore sees progress as a relentless pursuit of improvement and perfection. "Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit" emphasizes the significance of rational thinking and the rejection of outdated customs and superstitions. Tagore advocates for a progressive society driven by reason and logic.

Entrepreneurial Skills - Unit II

                                                             Entrepreneurial Skills

Unit II

Entrepreneurship is a journey that requires dedication, drive, and hard work. One thing it doesn’t require is fitting a specific demographic. With financial literacy, networking skills, confidence, the ability to accept feedback and recognize patterns, and a growth mindset, anyone can pursue entrepreneurship.

Importance of Entrepreneurship Skills

Entrepreneurship skills are essential in positioning entrepreneurs to identify opportunities, make effective decisions, turn their ideas into reality, overcome challenges, and properly allocate resources to achieve goals and succeed. The importance of entrepreneurship skills lies in:

·       Encouraging social change and improving lives

·       Creating employment opportunities for others

·       Driving economic growth and opening new markets and industries

·       Improving the quality of life with new ideas and building functional products or services

·       Providing opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as financial rewards

·       Enhancing one’s capacity to work efficiently alone, as well as in collaboration

·       Reaching the desired goals and achieving excellent results

How to Develop Entrepreneurial Skills?

·       Define goals: Establish your business objectives, strengths, weaknesses, and what you want to achieve

·       Learn: Podcasts, books, and seminars can be great sources of information to enhance your skills

·       Take online courses: Online courses are an excellent way to boost the skills you want to develop 

·       Look for a mentor: Mentorship can make a significant impact on your life and career; seek mentorship from successful leaders to enhance your skills

·       Work hard: Develop a strong work ethic and be consistent in your efforts to grow

·       Be adaptable: Stay open to change and embrace new ideas and opportunities as they arise

·       Foster a growth mindset: Focus on continuous learning and seek out new opportunities to develop your skills

Significant Entrepreneurial Skills

1. Business Management Skills

Business management skills are essential for entrepreneurs to effectively plan, organize, direct, and control the resources of an organization. These skills can build credibility, improve efficiency, manage risks, implement effective strategies, create a positive company culture, and grow a business. Business management skills include:

·       Leadership

·       Strategic thinking

·       Budget management

·       Business acumen

·       Communication

2. Teamwork and Leadership Skills

Teamwork and leadership are highly critical entrepreneurship skills that foster a positive and collaborative organizational culture, leading to increased employee satisfaction and improved performance. These qualities can enable leaders to effectively inspire, motivate, work in teams, empower the workforce and lead the company toward success. Entrepreneurs with leadership skills motivate their employees, manage operations and delegate tasks to reach the business goal. Teamwork and leadership skills include:

·       Communication

·       Emotional intelligence

·       Empathy

·       Delegation

·       Conflict resolution   

3. Customer Service skills

An entrepreneur must know how to manage his relationship with existing customers with a focus on creating loyalty towards his business. This is the easiest and most effective method to increase revenues. Entrepreneurs must have problem-solving skills, communication skills, attentiveness and patience to manage customers effectively. Customer service management skills refer to the abilities and knowledge required to effectively lead and manage a customer service team. These skills include the ability to communicate professionally and empathetically with customers and team members. They also include the ability to handle and resolve customer issues, lead and manage a team and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in customer service. Additionally, the ability to multitask, manage time and stress and have strong interpersonal, problem-solving and leadership skills are also important for success in this role. Regardless of the industry, quality customer service promotes the brand and increases loyalty. From talking to clients to discussing funding opportunities, customer service skills help entrepreneurs connect with their potential customers. Entrepreneurs who are able to provide excellent customer service will

·       Understand the needs and wants of the customers

·       Know their pain points

·       Address any issues that arise

·       Work to build long-lasting, positive relationships